Happy April – National Poetry Month (and My Birthday Month,) and Seeking Inspiration
- At April 03, 2022
- By Jeannine Gailey
- In Blog
- 0
Happy April – National Poetry Month (and My Birthday Month)
How is it April 2022 already? The cherry blossoms and early magnolias are blooming, the tulips are about to come out, and I’m about to turn another year older. I hope you love this piece of art by Dewi Plass, which features hummingbirds, a moth, and a fox. After seeing her art in Roq La Rue, I ordered a few art cards from her web site, and they did not disappoint.
I just finished writing up a review – my first in a while – of Dana Levin’s Now Do You Know Where We Are from Copper Canyon Press, and I’m hoping to read some more new work this month, as so many good books debut.
I’m also about a year out from the debut of my next book, Flare, Corona, with BOA Editions. Now that I have an author photo sorted, I’m turning to other things, like finding cover art and blurbs.
I’ve been taking a peek inside a few local galleries to see if there’s anything thematic that might work, but while I haven’t seen anything perfect for my book yet, it’s been great to see art in person again. I’ve also noticed some weird local art popping up – in Kirkland, wondering through one of the little streets with three cupcake bakeries, I saw this cat skateboarding and this glass and metal piece that reminded me of DNA. Here also is my own shot of a typewriter with fallen cherry blossoms.
Seeking Inspiration in Kirkland and in Connecting with Friends
I’m trying to write a poem a day, since I haven’t been writing as much lately, and seeking inspiration inside the world that’s still in a pandemic and a war. So I wanted to connect with some friends via phone and explore neighboring Kirkland, which has a beautiful waterfront with Lake Washington, and seems buzzing and friendly, at least when the sun shines.
I’m not healthy enough to travel or get in big crowds yet but I am, as you may see, making an attempt to get back into the world while covid levels here are low enough. As the UK and Asia struggle with another surge, I’m sure one is coming this way too, but for now, I’m getting out when it’s sunny (even when it’s not warm) and enjoying the flowers. I’ve enjoyed talking to friends this week about AWP as well as their travels and travel plans. Being immune compromised, I can’t be quite as adventurous, but I’m glad to get the news of the outside world, adventure by proxy. Meanwhile, I’m exploring different neighborhoods, capturing signs of spring.
Almost April
So, in family lore, I was supposed to be born in May, but I actually arrived on the last day of April – and was almost named “April.” I wrote a poem about it that was published in Tinderbox Poetry Journal. So I’ll leave you this week with a poem…Happy April!